NFL Pass Completion Rules

In 1880, thanks to Walter Camp, football as we now know it was introduced. American football can be an exciting action-packed sport to watch. Just like any other sport, referee calls and rules can be a bit complicated at times, especially when it comes to passes.

  1. Eligible Receivers

    • The NFL rulebook allows a forward pass to be handled by offensive players and any member of the defense with the exception of the tackle, guard or center. Receivers must be on either end of the line or at least 1 yard behind the snap line. If the players are in a T-formation, the quarterback cannot receive the ball unless it is first touched by an eligible receiver. If the ball is in play and intercepted by an eligible receiver, all players of that team and the defensive team are eligible.

    Penalties

    • There is a 5-yard penalty if the ball is touched by an ineligible receiver on or behind his line or if the player is illegally downfield. This penalty will also occur if the offensive team makes more than one forward pass during each play from scrimmage or if a player is not behind that line when passing. There will be a 15-yard penalty if a personal foul occurs by the defense before the completion of a pass; there is a 10-yard penalty if that kind of foul occurs by the offense before completion.

    Incomplete Pass

    • A pass will be deemed incomplete if it falls out of bounds or touches the ground. The teams cannot play the ball if it bounces off any goal post or crossbar. The rulebook states a complete forward pass occurs "when a receiver clearly possesses the pass and touches the ground with both feet inbounds while in possession of the ball." Should an incomplete pass occur during the fourth down, the team will incur a loss of down at the line of scrimmage.